LA Galaxy sign forward Ariel Lassiter to first-team contract

The LA Galaxy have added another LA Galaxy II alum to their first-team roster, and he's got a name very familiar to old school MLS fans.

The team announced on Saturday the signing of forward Ariel Lassiter to an MLS contract. Lassiter played the last two seasons at Galaxy II in USL, leading the team in scoring last season.

Lassiter also has considerable pedigree as his father is Roy Lassiter, a former US international and the striker who shares the MLS single-season scoring record for his 27 goals in 1996 with the Tampa Bay Mutiny.

“Ariel is a talented attacking player who has contributed at a high level with LA Galaxy II,” said LA Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena in a team statement. “We are excited for him to continue his development with the first team.”

The 21-year-old started his professional career at Swedish club GAIS after playing collegiately for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2014.

Lassiter, born in Costa Rica and raised in Southern California, has represented the US and Costa Rica youth teams on the international level, and is the fourth player to sign for the Galaxy from LA Galaxy II, joining Dave Romney, Daniel Steres and Clement Diop.